by Diane Wilson
I hope that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has lunch with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Naplitano and points out that the 49th parallel in no way resembles the Mexican border. In fact, Canada and the U.S. share the largest undefended border in the world, measuring 3,145 miles. The two countries do enormous trade. So much so, that according to a 2003 study commissioned by the Canadian Embassy, Canada–U.S. trade supported 5.2 million U.S. jobs.
Actually, perhaps Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner should join them for dessert because the Canada-US border will serve as a crucial part of the economic recovery. An efficient border affects retail, commodities, manufacturing and tourism. It matters to just in time delivery and it matters to a truly integrated economy. It matters to rolled steel and fresh fruit, to autos and plasma TVs.
Napolitano wants a tough border with passports, and says we are going to have accept this "culture of change," according to The Globe and Mail. The culture shift actually dates back to 9/11. But citizens of both countries living near the border -- in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Windsor -- know that we must have an efficient seamless border. Not a porous border, but an efficient border.
There have been contentious issues between Canada and the U.S. Think softwood lumber. But by and large, we have had one heck of a good relationship ever since the War of 1812. So it is sad to hear tourist industry officials predicting fewer cross-border trips when the passport rule hits June 1, because 75% of Americans are without passports. And manufacturers are making contingency plans for alternative suppliers and warehouses, in the event of delays in shipping.
Ms. Napolitano is more familiar with the U.S.-Mexico border, having lived in New Mexico and Arizona, and she has voiced concerns that the two borders should be treated equally. There are issues with Canada's immigration policies, the way we screen people and goods, etc.
I can't help but think of Europe and its easy flow of people within the EU countries. Why can't the US and Canada have a similar flow of people and goods?
Canada will proceed with its new Windsor-Detroit bridge, where one quarter of all Canada-U.S. trade flows, but it is time to build other bridges as well. Canada needs to work with Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano to create the type of border that best suits favoured nations depending on one another for just about everything. No fences, nothing too scary. How about sensible American and Canadian rules and regulations that promote trade and travel, while saving 5.2 million US jobs!
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